Bedlam Hospital

Today the Bethlem Royal Hospital operates as a modern psychiatric hospital, however, during its earlier days, it was full of chaos.

Bethlem Hospital, or Bedlam, was the Europe's first asylum, it was founded by the church in 1247 as an almshouse. It then became the first institution that attempted to treat the insane in 1357. The Italian Bishop, Goffredo de Prefetti, first established the facility to raise money for the crusades. It wasn't uncommon for religious figures to take in the mentally ill, but it is unclear when the facility's focus was shifted to specifically treating the mentally ill, but by 1330 it was officially referred to as a hospital, and by 1377 it was known as a home to the insane. And during nearly the six centuries of operation, its patients survived through filth and abuse.

A report from the 1600s noted that the sewer below the building was repeatedly blocked, filth would pile up at the entrances. There was no connection between health and hygiene during this time, water had to be hand carried, so at this time, even regular hospitals were dirty, but Bedlam was worse. The control of the hospital was transferred from the church to the state.

In 1675, the hospital was falling apart and in a desperate need of more space and a remodel. So, they moved the facility north of London to the Moorfields. Robert Hooke, a City Surveyor, took over the remodel, he included a formal garden with tree-lined promenades. There was also two statues installed over the gated entrance, one was named Melancholy, this statue appeared calm, and the other was called Raving Madness, this statue was chained and appeared angry. But, the inside of the hospital was broken, the wonderful ornate exterior was weighing down on the interior, causing the back of the building to crack. Whenever there was rainfall, water would run down the walls. The building was built on rubble and the foundations began to collapse.

James Monro came in charge as Bedlam's chief physician in 1728, and his family stayed in charge for 125 years. Treatment of patients worsened under Monro's control. Many of the patients were beat, starved, and put into ice cold baths. Dietary provisions were inadequate and many patients suffered from starvation and malnourishment. They were fed twice a day, their diets were plain and reduced.

The facility opened its doors to the public, hoping this would bring in family members to visit their loved ones. But, this attempt was unsuccessful, but it grabbed the attention of the wealthy, the mentally ill patients became entertainment for the rest of London. It is speculated that the hospital's decision to open to the public was motivated by the need for funds, so for 10 shillings tours would be provided. Patients were on display for those who entered the hospital, their behavior and treatments were some sort of form of theater.

Those inmates who were deemed dangerous were chained and other patients were free to wander. Patients were exposed to chains, confinement in small cages, and ice baths, these were believed to be cures for mental illness. But, they were also exposed to starvation, bloodletting, beatings, cupping glass therapy, inducing of blisters and isolation. Doctors also tried rotational therapy, this involved spinning a patient in a chair that was suspended from the ceiling until they ended up vomiting. Many of the patients who might have been able to survive their illness, ended up passing away from the therapy they endured. Patients who were considered too frail to survive treatment were turned away from the hospital.

While the Munro family was in charge of Bedlam, the abuse continued. Thomas Munro was the last of the family to be in charge, he ended up resigning in 1816 after a scandal. After his departure, the hospital started to move forward into more modern treatments. But, even into the 1960s, the more modern treatments of the time, included padded cells, straitjackets, and lobotomies.

Modern investigations have now been able to uncover the mass graves of those who suffered under Bedlam's care. And now Bethlem Royal Hospital has since renounced the dark practices of its past and now they work day and night to care for those who are unable to care for themselves. There is even a museum that exhibits artwork by the patients.